NEW OLD MODELS FOUND

A Dutch collector has recently found this 1:43 Volvo P1800ES diecast model. It is packed in a window box which is labeled 'M-Smart' and 'Modeel Collection'. I have never seen one of this names before. The dark brown scale model is the same as the one from Del Prado. The baseplate also says ‘Del Prado’. There are no numbers and no other specifications on the box.

This is a set offered by Matchbox under the name 'Super Value Pack'. The idea behind these sets were most certainly to promote and sell older models. This set seems to have been offered in 1990. The set was available under item # MB832.

This 4 car set included the following 3'' models :

- Monteverd Hai- Opel Kadett GSi- Volvo 760- Volvo truck

greenwhite with racing labelsredred with white 'Big Top Circus' box

Other versions of the 'Super Value Pack' existed. Another example is this 5-car set which comes even with a poster showing the latest models. This set wears item # MB823. It consists of the following models :

Ikarus 'City Line Tourist' coach

Monteverdi Hai

Dodge Challenger dragster

Volvo 760

Snorkel fire truck

More of these sets were available. There existed also other package versions. I will post an update as soon as I have been able to find more info about all these sets.Source & copyright of the photo on your right : vectis.co.uk

I have been listing this model for years in my database, But since it is very rare and really hard to find I decided to present it in this column. This P1900 has been produced in 1987 by BBR and sold under the name 'Valko Series'. The 1:43 scale model is made of resin and features many photo-etched parts. It is in my eyes the best Volvo P1900 scale model ever made.

The here shown model was sold on September 2, 2012 for 215,50 $ ( 168,35 € ) on a well known auction site in the States. It was initially advertised for 500 $ which was without a doubt rather unreasonable.